The Denver Broncos Are Ready to Take Off

Drew Lock and company have a chance to take the NFL by storm

On the surface, the Denver Broncos 7–9 record last year may not garner much hope for the upcoming season. But take a deeper look, and you’ll see Denver is flooded with optimism for next year. The main reason: Drew Lock. After missing much of last season after being placed on IR, the rookie QB started the final five games of the 2019 campaign for Denver. What followed should cause excitement. Lock led the Broncos to a 4–1 record over the final five games of the season. Denver defeated the Chargers, Texans, Lions, and Raiders; while their only loss came against the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs in Kansas City. Lock played well in those final five contests, completing 64% of his throws for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns, and just three interceptions. While those numbers alone should give Denver hope, there’s still more. In the game at Houston, Lock made NFL history. He became the first rookie in the Super Bowl era to pass for 300 yards and three touchdowns in his first road start.

Lock proved he’s a starter in this league last season. This year, he and the Broncos should only be better. Denver’s skill position players were solid last season. Courtland Sutton is a good number one receiver. His second NFL season saw the receiver breakout for 1,112 receiving yards (19th in the NFL) and 6 touchdowns. Those numbers also earned Sutton his first Pro Bowl selection. Rookie tight end Noah Fant also had a solid first year in the league. He had 562 yards and three touchdowns. Not spectacular numbers, but good for a rookie campaign nonetheless. Running back Philip Lindsay finished his second NFL season with his second straight 1,000 yard season, finishing the year with 1,011 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite all off that however, Denver decided to get their young quarterback even more help.

Lock finished his rookie season with a 4–1 record as a starter. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Broncos had a clear need for a number two wide receiver. Following the draft, that was no longer an issue. Denver used their first round selection on Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy, who had 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games last season. Denver didn’t stop there however, using their second round selection on Penn State receiver K.J. Hamler. Hamler finished last season with 904 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games…